Different Things To Do In Denver – Your Guide To Front Range
Planning a trip to Denver and seeing the same lists of museums, breweries, and sports stadiums? While those are great, you’re probably looking for the real reason Denver is called the Mile High City—the incredible, immediate access to the Rocky Mountains.
You’re not just a traveler; you’re an explorer. You want to feel the crisp mountain air, stand on a summit, and disconnect from the urban hustle. This is where the standard tourist guides fall short.
We promise this guide is different. We’re skipping the downtown circuit to give you a real adventurer’s roadmap. This is your expert brief on the different things to do in Denver that get you outside, building skills, and truly experiencing the wild heart of Colorado.
Get ready to discover the best day hikes, find incredible spots for dispersed camping, learn how to tackle a ’14er’ safely, and explore some unique, off-the-beaten-path outdoor activities. We’ll cover everything from essential gear to Leave No Trace principles.
Day Hikes That Ditch the Crowds: Your First Step into the Rockies
The trails closest to Denver can get packed, especially on weekends. The key is knowing where to go to find solitude and stunning views without a multi-hour drive. This is your starting point for getting acclimated and stretching your legs.
A great option is Golden Gate Canyon State Park, just 45 minutes from the city. With over 35 miles of trails, you can easily find a loop that matches your skill level. The Raccoon Trail offers incredible panoramic views of the Continental Divide without the extreme elevation gain of other popular hikes.
For a unique, year-round adventure, consider St. Mary’s Glacier. It’s a short but steep hike to a permanent snowfield where you can enjoy alpine scenery less than an hour from Denver. Just be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures, even in summer.
Essential Day Hiking Gear for the Front Range
Weather in the Rockies can change in an instant. Being prepared isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety. Don’t leave the trailhead without these items.
- Layered Clothing: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a fleece for insulation, and top it with a waterproof/windproof shell like the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket.
- Sturdy Footwear: A pair of hiking boots with good ankle support, like the Salomon X Ultra 4, is non-negotiable for rocky terrain.
- Navigation: Don’t rely solely on your phone. Carry a physical map and compass, or better yet, a GPS device like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for off-grid communication.
- Water and Fuel: Pack at least 2-3 liters of water per person. A hydration reservoir like a CamelBak makes it easy to sip on the go. High-energy snacks are a must.
Understanding Altitude Sickness
Denver sits at 5,280 feet, and most nearby trails start even higher. Altitude sickness is one of the most common problems visitors face, with symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue. It can ruin a trip and be dangerous if ignored.
The best practice is to acclimatize. Spend a day or two in Denver before attempting a high-elevation hike. The most important tip is to hydrate relentlessly—drink more water than you think you need. Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise on your first day.
Finding Your Perfect Campsite: From State Parks to Dispersed Camping
Sleeping under the stars is one of the ultimate benefits of visiting Colorado. Whether you’re in an RV or a tent, Denver is a fantastic base for finding your perfect spot. Knowing your options is key to a successful trip.
This different things to do in denver guide focuses on getting you away from the noise and into nature. We’ll cover both convenient and rugged options.
Established Campgrounds for Easy Access
If you’re new to camping or traveling in an RV, established campgrounds offer great amenities like bathrooms, water hookups, and fire rings. Cherry Creek State Park is surprisingly close to the city and offers a great home base for RV and campervan travelers.
For a more rustic feel, head back to Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Their Reverend’s Ridge campground has beautiful sites nestled in aspen and pine groves, offering a true mountain experience with the safety net of park ranger presence.
The Freedom of Dispersed Camping
For the self-sufficient adventurer, dispersed camping is the goal. This means finding a legal, free spot to camp on public lands, typically in National Forests. It requires more preparation but offers unparalleled solitude.
Download a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for Pike or Arapaho National Forests to see which roads permit dispersed camping. Look for pre-existing sites to minimize your impact. A high-clearance vehicle is often recommended.
Sustainable Camping: A Quick Care Guide
With freedom comes responsibility. Following eco-friendly different things to do in denver principles is crucial to protecting these wild places. This is your essential care guide for the outdoors.
Always practice Leave No Trace. Pack out everything you pack in, including food scraps. In many high-use areas, you’ll need to pack out human waste using a WAG bag or portable toilet system. Always check current fire restrictions before you even think about building a campfire; a portable stove like the Jetboil Flash is a much safer bet.
Beyond Hiking: More Different Things to Do in Denver’s Outdoors
While hiking is king, the Front Range offers a massive playground for all kinds of adventurers. Mixing up your activities is a great way to use different muscles and see the landscape from a new perspective. Here are some other different things to do in denver that will get your heart pumping.
Mountain Biking Adventures
The terrain around Denver is a mountain biker’s dream. From flowy singletrack to technical descents, there’s something for every skill level. Buffalo Creek is an iconic trail system known for its smooth, decomposed granite trails that wind through a recovering burn scar—it’s a beautiful and fun ride.
For something closer to the city, North Table Mountain in Golden offers a challenging climb with a rewarding downhill. Always wear a helmet, yield to uphill riders, and be aware of other trail users.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
The golden-hued cliffs of Clear Creek Canyon and the flat-topped mesas around Golden are magnets for climbers. If you’re new to the sport, do not just buy gear and go. This is a skill that requires expert instruction.
Start at an indoor gym like Movement Golden to learn the basics. Then, hire a certified guide from a company like the Colorado Mountain School to take you outside for your first real rock experience. They provide the gear and safety knowledge you need.
Water-Based Fun: Kayaking and Paddleboarding
When the summer sun beats down, heading to the water is a perfect escape. While you won’t find ocean waves, the area’s reservoirs offer plenty of space for paddling. Chatfield State Park and Bear Creek Lake Park are popular spots for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
You can rent gear on-site at most locations. Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD), and be mindful of afternoon winds that can make paddling back to shore a serious challenge.
The Ultimate Colorado Challenge: Bagging Your First 14er
Climbing a “14er”—a mountain peak over 14,000 feet in elevation—is a rite of passage for many Colorado adventurers. It’s a grueling but incredibly rewarding experience that offers views and a sense of accomplishment like no other.
But this is not a casual day hike. It requires planning, fitness, and a deep respect for the mountain environment. Here’s how to different things to do in denver by tackling one of these giants.
Is a 14er Right for You? A Self-Assessment
Before you even pick a mountain, be honest with yourself. Are you well-acclimatized? Can you comfortably hike 8-10 miles with significant elevation gain (3,000+ feet) at a lower altitude? If the answer is no, spend more time on conditioning hikes first.
Planning Your Summit Attempt
Choosing your first 14er is critical. Peaks like Quandary Peak or Grays and Torreys Peaks are considered good for beginners due to their well-defined trails. The most important rule is the alpine start. You should be on the trail well before sunrise to be back below the treeline before the common afternoon thunderstorms roll in.
Your pack should contain the Ten Essentials, with extra emphasis on warm layers (even in July), a rain jacket, a headlamp, and more food and water than you think you’ll need.
Common Problems to Avoid
Many hikers run into trouble by making preventable mistakes. The biggest is underestimating the weather and the effects of altitude. A sunny morning can turn into a dangerous lightning storm in minutes. If you see dark clouds building, turn around immediately. Your ego is not worth your life.
Another common issue is summit fever—pushing on when you or someone in your group is exhausted or feeling sick. The summit is only halfway. You still have to get down safely.
An Overlander’s Basecamp: Using Denver to Explore Further
For those living the vanlife or overlanding lifestyle, Denver is the perfect urban hub for resupply and planning. It’s the last major city before you head into the vast wilderness of the Rockies and beyond, making it a strategic stop.
Stocking Up and Prepping Your Rig
Denver has everything you need to get your vehicle adventure-ready. The flagship REI store, housed in a historic trolley building, is a must-visit for gear and advice. You can also find specialized 4×4 and campervan outfitters for any last-minute repairs or upgrades.
Use the city to do laundry, fill your water tanks, stock up on groceries, and empty your waste tanks. It’s the perfect place to reset before your next leg into the wild.
Scenic Drives for a Day Trip
You don’t always have to leave the vehicle to experience the grandeur. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is a stunning drive from Black Hawk to Estes Park, offering continuous views of the Continental Divide. In the fall, the changing aspen trees make it one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
Guanella Pass, connecting Georgetown and Grant, is another incredible drive that takes you up to 11,670 feet. It’s a great way to see alpine tundra and maybe spot some wildlife, like bighorn sheep or marmots, from the comfort of your rig.
Frequently Asked Questions About Different Things to Do in Denver
What’s the best time of year for outdoor activities in Denver?
July and August offer the most reliable summer weather for hiking and climbing high peaks. However, September is a local favorite, with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning golden aspen trees. Winter offers a whole different world of adventure with snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.
Do I really need to worry about altitude sickness?
Yes, absolutely. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The best prevention is to ascend slowly, stay exceptionally well-hydrated, and listen to your body. If you develop a persistent headache or feel nauseous, descend to a lower elevation.
Can I find eco-friendly or sustainable tour operators in Denver?
Yes. Look for guiding companies that are members of organizations like the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) or who publicly state their commitment to Leave No Trace principles. A great operator will not only keep you safe but also teach you how to be a good steward of the land. This is one of the best sustainable different things to do in denver.
What are the most common problems people face when exploring Denver’s outdoors?
The three biggest issues are underestimating the altitude, being unprepared for rapidly changing weather (especially afternoon thunderstorms), and choosing a trail that is beyond their fitness or experience level. Start small, check the forecast obsessively, and always have a bailout plan.
Denver is so much more than a city—it’s a launchpad. The real adventure lies just beyond the city limits, waiting in the canyons, forests, and peaks of the Front Range. By preparing properly, respecting the environment, and choosing your challenges wisely, you can go beyond just visiting and truly experience the wild spirit of Colorado.
Now you have the knowledge and the inspiration. So pack your bag, check the forecast, and get ready to explore the wild side of the Mile High City. Stay safe, and stay adventurous!
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